Oklahoma Supreme Court blocks state law aimed at criminalizing women's health providers:

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CenterforReproRights
‏@ReproRights

Oklahoma Supreme Court blocks state law aimed at criminalizing women's health providers: http://bit.ly/1jOzmsk


Only a temporary block

Oklahoma Supreme Court Blocks State Law Aimed at Criminalizing Women’s Health Care Providers

Measure allowing warrantless searches of abortion providers and felony charges for administrative errors temporarily blocked while litigation continues

10.27.15 - (PRESS RELEASE) The Oklahoma Supreme Court today blocked an omnibus measure that would have targeted women’s health care providers with onerous criminal penalties simply because they provide abortion services.

SB 642—which was scheduled to go into effect on November 1—contains four provisions, including one which permits unannounced, warrantless searches of abortion providers. The measure also includes language that could be interpreted to bring felony charges for any violation of the more than 140 statutes targeted at physicians and medical facilities providing abortion. If enforced in this arbitrary manner, S.B. 642 could subject clinic staff to prosecution for posting a required sign in a font style different from that dictated by statute, or for filing a required form a few days late.

Today’s ruling guarantees the law will remain blocked pending the re-filing of the challenge in state district court and ensures the measure will remain blocked until that litigation is concluded. ......................